He is.

Just because Spielberg is a populist doesn't mean he's not a great filmmaker. He is. Obviously.

Mostly people here just want to talk about movies in a good-spirited way, in good faith. SK doesn't operate in good faith.

I don't know how it would even be a question.

When I watch a QT, Hitchcock, Scorcese, Fincher movie I see all kinds of quirky telltale style direction things, which can be great if the director is good. But with Spielberg it's usually so seamless that he makes himself an almost invisible aspect of the film and there's a lot to be said for that too.

It's probably because his style shows up in so many others' that it doesn't stand out so much. I do notice things when I'm looking for them but I'm usually forgetting about the direction while watching his stuff. It's vanilla maybe but it's good vanilla.

I don't remember our interaction to save my life but I would bet good money I didn't rail you for simply not liking schindler's list.

Just watched A Most Wanted Man—for free of course because I will contribute no money to the film industry for the countless times I've been swindled into watching jejune crap. I was unimpressed. I saw only good things said about it, although to be fair, this thread is just about my only exposure to movie reviews, and there's a culture of congratulatory movie celebration here that dismays me. Anyway, the only affecting element in a cliche plot was the thought of the Arab kid who dimes his dad. It was a political spy movie that looked and ran like your typical political spy movie, especially with the dark cinematography, unrealistically beautiful women, and brooding characters. It did set itself apart though for its utter lack of action. I don't know if the scene of Gunther beating up some random huge guy in a bar, showing what a tough and chivalrous guy he is, was some poorly conceived gimmick to counteract that. I hope all praise was just misdirected sympathy for Phillip Seymour Hoffman (who played his role well), because the world needs fewer movies like this. Also, great choice to cast a bunch of Americans to play Germans and have German accents. PSH's was convincing enough; Rachel McAdams' was awful. The Chechen had a very convincing accent; not surprisingly, he was actually born in Russia. Maybe Germany just doesn't have anyone who'd be willing to accept a few hundred thousand dollars to be in a movie. Or maybe the casting crew couldn't be bothered to pick from the hundred thousand people at their disposal for this movie someone who could actually do a convincing German accent. I have more to say, but I'll leave it at that for now.

So you subscribe to the auteur theory? That seems essential to me.

You need to be an auteur to be a great director.

But being an auteur doesn't make you a great director.

Michael Bay is an auteur. Watch ten seconds of a movie and you'll know if it's his. But he's terrible.

RBK,

We shouldn't limit an auteur's stamp to visuals while dismissing his or her contributions to the sound, the story, the acting, etc. It wouldn't be right to dismiss Spielberg's contributions to the storytelling because he had a good script or good actors. All directors have cinematographers, scriptwriter(s), film editors, on and on. Unless the director doubled for one of those roles, but generally, even if the director didn't also write the screenplay or the like, the director influences all of those elements and pulls them together into "their" film.

The Star Wars prequels had some insanely good actors. But George Lucas is a terrible director. I blame him for the terrible acting. The terrible storytelling. Etc. He is for sure an auteur though!

I guess I am saying I agree with Gonzirra.


Spielberg is definitely an auteur. We might not notice his stamp on the visuals any more, but love him or hate him, his stamp is all over the place on his movies. For example, Spielberg has a sentimentality that he always adds to a story.

How the hell am I not operating in good faith?

?????

You and kiosk are the ones who aren't backing up your opinion here by screaming about me being a troll every time I don't like what you like.

great post.

ive said it many times, my biggest problem with spielberg is how sentimental he is.

i don't think he's like michael bay or anything, i'm just never excited when i hear a new spielberg film is coming out, and i'm never blown away after watching one of his movies.

when i watch a QT or kubrick or coen bro film i feel like i just experienced something really incredible, and feel like no one else could have possibly made that film.

and i'm not a "snob" i think early ferrelly brothers films were ****ing amazing.

dumb and dumber is a legit masterpiece and one of my absolute fav films.

kingpin, something about mary, me myself and irene, all absolutely fantastic, so its not like i only like "high brow" or whatever you want to call it.

FWIW I never considered you a high brow snob, aka Clovis (j/k I Clovis)

Someone care to explain why Joseph Gordon-Lewitt did what he did in Sin City 2?

This poster must be "retired."

Sent by my Nexus-6 using 2+2 Forums.

SK is no a troll. He posts his opinions like the rest of us. I have no problem with him.

Proud to be a snob

I watched the Jean Seberg Joan of Arc movie on TCM, Saint Joan. I was a little surprised that it held my interest. I thought Seberg was very good, as was John Gielgud playing an evil English guy.

edit: looks like Otto Preminger directed it, interesting.

So my Christmas movies begun tonight.

Scrooged.

Murray is terrific in this, but Carole Kane as the psychotic Christmas fairy is off the hook.

Maleficent is fantastic, I'm punching myself for not seeing it in the theater. Possibly Jolie's best performance. I just loved it. Now I have no idea why it wasn't well received. Honestly it's among the best of the year. 9/10

Thought you were off the moonshine vixt? Maleficent is horrific

no u

I feel ya man. I thought GODZIRRA was amazing this year and everyone hated on it.

I usually watch Bad Santa 2 or 3 times every December. It hits me just right, my favorite Christmas movie by far.

From the Journals of Jean Seberg is a great film by Mark Rappaport. Recommended, Kisoshk, if you like her in Preminger's film.

Some great directors working today besides the above mentioned: Claire Denis, Dardenne Brothers, Jean-Luc Godard, who just made a film in 3D, Johnnie To, Michael Hanneke, Malick, Nuri Bilge Ceylan, Leos Carax, Jonathan Glazer, and Michael Winterbottom for just a few. And when he's not making abominations, von Trier can do something really good as in Melancholia.

I cannot say anything bad about the Farrelly Brothers since one of my friends and colleagues appears in nearly all of their films. Her husband plays the role of the bowling pin in Kingpin.